Vet Tech salary

Newark vs Paterson: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Newark, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Paterson, NJ
$57,543
$27.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPaterson, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$57,543
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.66
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$44,025
25th Percentile$52,198$47,505
75th Percentile$80,053$72,433
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$78,590
Total Employed6131
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Paterson ($57,543) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkPatersonMedian Salary$63,055$57,543Entry Level (P10)$43,220$44,025Top Earner (P90)$90,252$78,590US Median $49,986

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paterson.

The salary gap between Newark and Paterson is $5,512 (9.58%). Newark's median is +26.15% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $47,032,Paterson spans $34,565. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$43,220
P25$52,198
Median$63,055
P75$80,053
P90 (Top)$90,252
Paterson
P10 (Entry)$44,025
P25$47,505
Median$57,543
P75$72,433
P90 (Top)$78,590

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 9.58% more than Paterson ($49,951 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Paterson
Nominal: $57,543
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,951

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,055/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,252)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,735)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Paterson if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Newark grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Paterson over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Paterson, NJ

+3.0%

$52,955 (2024) → $54,543 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Newark or Paterson?

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Paterson at $57,543/year — a difference of $5,512 (9.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Paterson?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Paterson hygienists earn $27.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Paterson as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Paterson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Paterson = $49,951), job availability (61 vs 31 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Newark vs Paterson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $44,025 in Paterson. The Paterson area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov